Edwards' Mansion Orange Muffins

The magnificent Edwards mansion was built on Cajon St in Redlands, California in 1890. Ready-made plans were purchased by Mr. James S. Edwards, pioneer citizen and citrus grower, to build the fourteen room house. It took over one year to build the original salmon pink structure. Originally used as a boarding house, later J. S. Edwards and his family took up residence in the great Victorian relic. It was occupied by the Edwards family from that time on until the death of Mrs. Edwards in 1958.

n 1973, the developers of the Edwards Mansion complex viewed the house as a classic exhibit of Victorian architecture and felt that it should be restored. The Mansion was purchased for the sum of one dollar,cut into two sections, moved five miles through Redlands and relocated on the site of the old Barton Ranch, one of the most fertile and picturesque of all the old California estates.

Sometime later, it was used as a lovely restaurant, and they served these delicious muffins. The mansion is still standing, but is now primarily used as a venue for weddings and receptions.

4 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 TBS baking powder

1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature

3/4 cup shortening

1/2 cup milk

5 eggs

1 1/4 cups fresh orange juice

1 cup diced fresh orange pieces

Mix together all dry ingredients.

Add butter, shortening, eggs, milk, and orange juice. Mix thoroughly.

Spoon batter into greased muffin tins about 2/3 full.

Top each muffin with an orange piece.

Bake at 375 for 20 - 25 minutes.

Makes 3 dozen